Patosi scored twice in seven second half minutes - first a brilliant left-footed volley and then a scorching free-kick from a tight angle, as the Citizens came back from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw in Orlando on Wednesday night.

And even though Manousakis - who stood in for absent head coach Benni McCarthy - feels Patosi can still improve markedly on his condition and fitness, he still believes he is one of the best players in his position in South African football, and a natural replacement for Lebohang Manyama, who departed two seasons back after top scoring in the league and winning the PSL Player of the Season award.

"With Pato, it really is just a fitness issue, he is trying to work hard, he's lost 2kg, and so we have seen some improvement," Manousakis said.

"He is not the quickest player in the PSL, but he is deadly and he always offers you something.

"The delivery is unbelievable from Pato and the second goal, he has delivered and you can't take that away from him.

"We are on his case because he is one of the best No 10s in the league.

"If you look at losing Lebo Manyama in that position and you look around and is there anyone else that you want? It's Ayanda Patosi but you want top conditions," he concluded.

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